There’s something about a well-run market that no online shopping experience has ever managed to replicate. The conversations with the maker who spent three months perfecting that candle scent. The jewellery you weren’t looking for but had to have. The baked good you ate before you even made it to the car. Markets are one of those things the Interlake does quietly, and exceptionally well.
This May, in the lead-up to Mother’s Day, markets are popping up from St. Andrews to Stonewall to the orchards of Argyle. Each one is a little different. All of them are worth the drive.
So take your mom out for the day, or better yet, give her directions and let her go on her own. A morning free to wander, shop, eat well, and not answer a single question from the back seat might just be the best gift she gets this year. Here’s where to send her.
Mother’s Day Market — St. Andrews Community Club Sunday, May 3 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free admission
Hosted by the Interlake Artist Collective at the St. Andrews Community Club, this is a beautifully curated afternoon of original art, handmade goods, and thoughtful gifts, with complimentary tea and cookies while you browse. It’s relaxed, unhurried, and exactly the kind of market that doesn’t feel like a market until you realize you’ve been there for two hours.
Where to eat nearby: Just down the road in Lockport, Skinner’s has been serving world-famous hot dogs since 1929. Skinner’s Hwy 44 is a Manitoba institution and a genuinely great excuse for a scenic drive along the river. For something more sit-down, Gaffer’s Restaurant & Lounge in Lockport offers casual fine dining right in the heart of the community.
Spring Market & Mother’s Day High Tea — Willow Grove Orchard, Argyle Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free market entry | High Tea $25/person
Experience the magic of spring at Willow Grove Orchard’s scenic red barn venue. Over 20 vendors, free entry to the market, and High Tea sittings at 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:15 PM, reservations required as spots fill up quickly. willowgroveorchard Email willowgroveorchard@gmail.com to book.
Where to eat nearby: The market itself has coffee, tea, specialty drinks, and food for purchase on-site, so you may not need to go far. If you’re making a full day of it, Stonewall is about 15 minutes south with several good options, including Cravings on 67 for home-style meals, or the Appy Place Lounge on Main Street for something a little more relaxed in the evening.
4th Annual Mother’s Day Market — Stonewall Friday, May 8 | 6:00–10:00 PM & Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Over 80 vendors (more than 95% handmade) plus food trucks, Down the Street Tattoo, Tiny Fox Photography, and Tails of Freedom Animal Rescue with adoptable animals. The two-day format means Friday evening works beautifully as a night out before the full Saturday market experience.
Where to eat nearby: Stonewall has a solid lineup. Pizza Den sources local Manitoba ingredients including Gimli pickerel and is a longtime community favourite. Cravings on 67 is consistently well-reviewed for home-style meals. If you’re staying for the evening after the Friday market, the Appy Place Lounge on Main Street is a cozy spot that takes reservations; worth calling ahead.
Gimli Spring Indoor Market Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Gimli Rec Centre Note: Falls after Mother’s Day.
The RM of Gimli’s Spring Indoor Market rounds out the month at one of the Interlake’s most beloved lakeside communities. Combine it with a walk along the Gimli waterfront and make a full afternoon of it.
Where to eat nearby: Gimli is genuinely one of the best places in the Interlake to eat, and after a morning at the market, you’ve earned a proper sit-down. Head to Interlake Brewing Co. for a relaxed meal with locally crafted beer on tap; it’s the kind of place you settle into and stay longer than you planned. For fresh lake fish done right, Gimli Beach Boy Restaurant is the move. Pickerel platters, souvlaki, Fat Boys, and garden fresh salads steps from the water. Get it, find a spot near the beach, and eat outside if the weather allows. That’s a good afternoon right there.
A note before you go: Always confirm hours and details closer to the date. Markets occasionally adjust. Following organizers on Facebook is the best way to stay current.
